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“Ilove this new couch, by the way. Have I told you that?” Sloane stretched out her long legs and eased herself back, groaning as she did.

“You sound about 50, not 28.”

“I’m 29 next week. The day I go to camp. Can you believe it?”

“Ancient. I’m going out with an old woman.” Ella leaned over and kissed her. “Just know, I’m coming to yours the night before, like it or not.” She raised an eyebrow. “I have to give you your early birthday gift, right?”

A thrill worked its way through Sloane’s body. Ella had the power to do that whenever she wanted. Plus, she looked so damn sexy in her pink shorts. Her apartment was way hotter than it was outside. “So long as my gift is more Half Cream from Lakeland, I’m down with it.”

Ella laughed. “And you should know, with your help, I’m getting far better at spending money on myself, buying treats. I bought this sofa for one, which was a big shift.”

“It was.”

“For all you know, I might have bought you four boxes of Half Cream for your birthday. Really splashed out.”

“A girl can dream.” Sloane kissed Ella’s full, soft lips again. “I’ve missed you and your sharp wit.”

“What about my awesome bum?”

“That, too.” She wasn’t joking. Over the past three months, she’d memorised every inch of Ella’s skin. Her arse was a particular highlight.

She tapped Ella’s exposed knee. “I know I’ve said it before, but I still can’t get over the size of the scars on your knee.”

“Medical advancements make a big difference. Plus, fucked up operations don’t help. At least I don’t walk with a limp and can still kick a ball.”

Sloane tilted her head. “Is it just me, or does that top scar have shades of Dan the physio when Lucy’s had a go at him?”

They hadn’t spent the night with each other because of away games and schedules for over a week, but tonight was going to change that. Sloane had turned up earlier with Thai food, and now they were settled on the couch to watch a key midweek game in the Premier League between Rovers and Blackthorn Stars. The end of March was a crunch time in the men’s and women’s seasons.

Her comeback so far had proved successful, with her and Nat picking up where they left off. She put that down to hard work, she and Ella being in a good place, and the team working well. They were still in the FA Cup, and still on track to contest the league. Everything to play for.

On screen, a youngster for Rovers broke down the wing and delivered a delicious cross. Sloane let out a low whistle. “That guy can really play football.”

Ella whipped her head around. “Oh my god!”

“What?” Sloane’s heart leapt. What just happened?

“You said football, not soccer!” Ella raised her arms in triumph. “My work here is done.”

Sloane rolled her eyes. “It was a slip of the tongue.”

“Busted.” Ella nudged her in the ribs.

Sloane opted for a quick subject change. “Are you seeing your family this weekend?”

“Nice segue.” Ella grinned. “I am. Driving over on Saturday. I’ll be back for the game on Sunday. It’s a shame you can’t come too – they’re desperate to meet you. ‘The woman you’re seeing but not seeing’ as my aunt puts it.”

Sloane winced. “After international break — providing I’m selected — I’m coming to Midcombe. Promise.”

“I know.” Ella elongated the final word with an eye roll. “And you’ll get picked, don’t be stupid.” She paused. “I also have fantastically massive Easter Eggs for them – Marina inhales chocolate – so they’re going to be thrilled.”

Sloane wriggled, shifted Ella off her, and jumped off the couch. Her ankle didn’t even flinch. She spoke to it every morning to confirm it was still her favourite ankle. It was holding up well, but she liked to cover all bases. “Talking of Easter Eggs, I got you one. Just to show you my gifts aren’t always flashy.”

Ella stroked her necklace. “Don’t get me wrong, I like flashy as much as the next woman.”

Sloane laughed as she went to the kitchen to get her bag. She marvelled again at how Ella had made this flat so much homier since they came to view it. A retro chrome clock on the kitchen wall. Funky yellow kettle and matching toaster. Fresh flowers on the white kitchen table. Then, it had lacked soul. Now, it pulsed with it.

When she got back to the living room, Ella was lying on the couch like a modern-day goddess, her hair fanned out on both sides. She was so concentrated on the game, she didn’t even notice Sloane and what she was holding. Not until she cleared her throat.